In a battle of two of the premier high school girls basketball programs in the state of Maryland, MD State contenders Oxon Hill (2-1) traveled to take on 17-18 MD 1A State runner ups Largo Lions (3-1).
Led by junior guard Aniya Wilson’s (pictured above) game high 30 point, 5 rebound, 3 assist and 6 steal performance, the Lady Clippers ran away from the Lady Lions 69-45. Senior guard and Northeastern commit Mossi Staples added 17 to help lead Oxon Hill while Largo was led by sophomore point guard Alexia Hackett who posted a team high 13 points. Both teams came out in the first going toe to toe to start the game, Scoring in transition and inside which led to a 17 point tie at the end of one. In the second quarter, Oxon Hill brought out their full court trap to disrupt Largo and to say it worked is an understatement. Largo turned the ball over numerous times. Flustered by the Lady Clippers traps from their full court press, the Lady Lions were outscored 22-9 in the quarter and never recovered.
Below are some observations from the game. Aniya Wilson - Wilson dominated Largo, doing a bit of everything. Her combination of skill, athleticism and versatility stood out all game long. Wilson’s poise and feel for the game is beyond her years and kept the Lady Lions off guard all night as she attacked relentlessly. As the season goes along she will only get better and that’s a scary issue for future opponents Staples/Warren
- Oxon Hills senior backcourt of Mossi Staples and Iyanna Warren combined for 31 points but it was their leadership and setting the tone on defense in the second quarter that put the Lady Clippers out in front for good. It was also impressive for them to take a back seat offensively when they saw the night Wilson was having scoring the ball. That’s rare for players at any level let alone high school players. Speaks volumes of how selfless they are. As senior leaders, they set the example. This selfless approach will be huge later in the season as they eye a state championship.
Hackett/ Schwarzmann
- Largo’s promising floor leader Alexia Hackett (first photo above) and sniper Vanessa Schwarzmann (second photo above) came out in the first quarter scoring off some efficient ball movement. They combined to score 10 of the Lady Lions 17 points. Yet, when Oxon Hill applied their full court press in the second quarter, they lost their poise, trying to dribble through the press and forcing passes that resulted into turnovers. They lost their composure and the rest of the team followed. In their first season as being leaders, these are growing pains they must go through and learn from. This team goes as they go. Hackett is dynamic floor general who when she's on her game, can be a force on both ends. Schwarzmann is a shooter that can score, her shooting ability opens things up for her teammates to operate. They're vital to the Lady Lion's success. Largo’s coaching staff is one of the best in the DMV so expect immediate improvement. Largo will get a second shot at Oxon Hill on January 29th, that’s a game to circle on your calendar.
